Eko Sulistyo
The prominent Indonesian television presenter and entrepreneur Ruben Onsu has once again captured public attention following his recent departure for the Umrah pilgrimage, during which he articulated a profound sense of spiritual surrender regarding his relationship with his two daughters, Thalia and Thania. In a poignant moment at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday, June 22, 2026, the media personality expressed that he has chosen to entrust all matters concerning his children’s future and his family’s current trajectory to the hands of the Almighty through consistent prayer. This statement comes at a time when the presenter continues to navigate complex personal transitions, reinforcing his commitment to his faith as a cornerstone of his resilience.
The departure was marked by a brief but emotionally charged reunion between Ruben and his daughters. Thalia and Thania, who had just returned from a trip to Singapore, met their father amidst the bustling environment of the airport terminal. Despite the brevity of the encounter and the lack of privacy afforded by the crowded public setting, Ruben noted that the meeting was a significant source of strength for him before embarking on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
A Moment of Gratitude Amidst a Busy Transition
In his interaction with the press, Ruben Onsu expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to see his children, even if the circumstances did not allow for an extended period of "intimate" or "quality" time. The presenter acknowledged that the logistics of the airport and the public nature of his departure made a quiet, private conversation difficult. However, the visual and physical presence of his daughters provided him with the emotional fortitude necessary for his upcoming pilgrimage.
"I haven’t had an intimate moment because the position was very crowded," Ruben explained to reporters. "But what is certain is that I am grateful. Being able to see them directly is a blessing in itself."
Adding to the emotional weight of the meeting, Thalia and Thania presented their father with gifts they had brought back from their recent travels to Singapore. Ruben described the simple gesture of receiving these souvenirs as a moment of genuine joy. The interaction, though fleeting, highlighted the enduring bond between the father and his daughters, despite the shifts in their family structure that have been widely documented in the media over the past several months.
The Spiritual Evolution of Ruben Onsu
The current Umrah trip marks Ruben Onsu’s fourth spiritual journey to the Holy Land since his conversion to Islam approximately one year ago. His transition to becoming a mualaf (convert) has been a significant chapter in his public life, often viewed by observers as a search for peace amidst the high-pressure environment of the Indonesian entertainment industry.
Ruben’s approach to his faith appears to be one of quiet devotion rather than public spectacle. By choosing to focus on prayer as his primary method of dealing with family challenges, he has signaled a shift away from public polemics. "I surrender everything through prayer alone," he stated. "If Allah has arranged it, it must be for the best. Every parent certainly has their children’s names in their prayers. Everything I convey in those prayers are good things for my children."
This philosophy of surrender, often referred to in Islamic tradition as tawakkul, seems to be Ruben’s primary coping mechanism as he manages the legal and personal "processes" mentioned in his statement. By placing the welfare of Thalia and Thania in a divine context, Ruben is attempting to navigate his parental responsibilities with a sense of calm and perspective that transcends the immediate stressors of his situation.
Contextual Background: A Family in the Public Eye
To understand the weight of Ruben Onsu’s recent statements, it is essential to look at the broader context of his family’s history. For over a decade, Ruben Onsu and his family have been among the most followed households in Indonesia. His marriage to the singer and former girl group member Sarwendah Tan was long considered a model of stability in the volatile world of show business.
However, the year leading up to June 2026 has been marked by significant changes. While Ruben has remained professional in his various roles as a talk show host and business owner, the public has been aware of the legal proceedings and personal shifts occurring within his household. The transition from a unified nuclear family to a more complex co-parenting arrangement has been subject to intense media scrutiny.
In this environment, every public interaction between Ruben and his children is analyzed by fans and social media commentators. The meeting at the airport serves as a narrative pivot, moving the focus from the rumors of discord to a story of paternal love and religious devotion.
Chronology of Events: June 22 to June 24, 2026
The events leading up to Ruben’s departure were characterized by a blend of professional commitments and personal milestones:
- Early June 2026: Thalia and Thania depart for Singapore with their mother for a brief holiday. During this time, Ruben continues his filming schedule in Jakarta, occasionally expressing his longing for his daughters on social media.
- June 21, 2026: Ruben completes his final preparations for the Umrah pilgrimage, a trip planned in coordination with his close friend and fellow designer, Ivan Gunawan.
- June 22, 2026 (Morning): Ruben arrives at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Simultaneously, his daughters arrive back from Singapore. The timing allows for a brief overlap in the terminal.
- June 22, 2026 (Afternoon): Ruben meets with the press, delivering his statement regarding his reliance on prayer and his gratitude for the gifts from his daughters.
- June 22, 2026 (Evening): Ruben Onsu and Ivan Gunawan depart for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- June 24, 2026: News of the airport meeting and Ruben’s statements circulate widely, prompting a wave of public support for the presenter’s spiritual journey.
Supporting Data: The Rise of Religious Pilgrimage Among Indonesian Celebrities
Ruben Onsu’s journey is part of a larger sociological trend in Indonesia, where public figures increasingly turn to religious pilgrimages as a means of personal branding and emotional healing. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, the number of Umrah pilgrims has seen a steady increase since 2023, with a notable rise in "VIP" or "Celebrity Umrah" packages.
Religious experts suggest that for many public figures, the Umrah acts as a "reset button," allowing them to distance themselves from the noise of the entertainment industry and reconnect with their values. In Ruben’s case, his conversion to Islam a year ago adds a layer of significance to this trend. Statistics show that high-profile converts in Indonesia often face unique pressures, making these spiritual retreats essential for their mental and spiritual well-being.
Furthermore, the involvement of Ivan Gunawan in this trip highlights the importance of "support systems" within the industry. Ivan, a long-time friend of Ruben, has often been seen as a stabilizing force in his life. Their joint pilgrimage reinforces the idea that spiritual journeys are often communal experiences that strengthen interpersonal bonds.
Implications and Analysis: The Role of Faith in Crisis Management
Ruben Onsu’s decision to "surrender everything to God" is a strategic and personal choice that has several implications:
1. Mitigation of Public Controversy: By framing his family issues as a spiritual matter rather than a legal or interpersonal battle, Ruben effectively limits the scope for tabloid speculation. It is difficult for the public or the media to argue with a stance of religious surrender.
2. Psychological Resilience: Psychologists often note that for individuals in high-stress positions, having an external locus of control (such as faith) can significantly reduce anxiety. By believing that the outcome of his children’s lives is "already arranged" by a higher power, Ruben can focus on his daily responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future.
3. Impact on the Children: The focus on "good things" and "hal-hal baik" in his prayers suggests a commitment to positive parenting. Despite the physical distance or the complexities of his current living situation, Ruben is signaling to his daughters (and the public) that his intentions remain rooted in their well-being.
4. Public Perception: Ruben’s journey as a mualaf continues to be a point of interest. His fourth Umrah in a year demonstrates a high level of commitment to his new faith, which may garner him a new demographic of supporters within the religious community in Indonesia.
Conclusion: A Journey of Hope
As Ruben Onsu continues his pilgrimage in the Holy Land, his statements at the airport remain a testament to his current state of mind. He has moved beyond the phase of active conflict or public explanation, choosing instead the path of quiet reflection. The gifts from Singapore—simple tokens from his daughters—serve as a reminder of the life he is working to protect and the family bonds he hopes to preserve through his faith.
The coming weeks will likely see Ruben returning to his professional duties with a renewed sense of purpose. Whether his prayers will lead to a more harmonious family dynamic remains to be seen, but for now, the presenter has found a sense of peace in the act of surrender. In the high-stakes world of Indonesian celebrity, Ruben Onsu’s choice to prioritize prayer over polemics offers a rare glimpse into a more contemplative approach to life’s inevitable challenges.
